The 'Bharat Bandh' call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Friday had a significant impact in Punjab, affecting commuters and businesses alike. The bandh was organized to demand the fulfillment of farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
 
Commuters across Punjab faced inconvenience as buses operated by Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and the PRTC Contract Workers’ Union remained off the roads. Passengers were left stranded at bus stands, especially students and office-goers who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. Many private bus operators also refrained from plying buses, exacerbating the transportation woes of the public.
 
In addition to the disruption in transportation services, markets and commercial establishments in several parts of Punjab remained shut in solidarity with the farmers' cause. Demonstrations were held at various locations, and farmers blocked national highways in Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Bathinda, and Jalandhar. Toll plazas were also besieged by protestors, who raised slogans against the central government for not acceding to their demands.
 
The bandh, however, passed off peacefully, according to officials, despite the widespread disruption caused by the protests. Many farmer organizations, including Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakunda), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Qadian), and Kirti Kisan Union, actively participated in the agitation.
 
The impact of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ was felt across various districts of Punjab, with protests and disruptions reported in Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, and other areas. Roads were blocked, educational institutions remained closed, and markets wore a deserted look as traders supported the farmers' cause.
 
Meanwhile, the response to the bandh was mixed in certain areas of Mohali district, where shops in towns like Kharar, Mohali, Zirakpur, and Kurali remained open. Some shopkeepers chose to operate their businesses as usual, despite calls for a shutdown by certain factions.
 
Farmers emphasized that their intention was not to inconvenience anyone but to assert their rights and press for the fulfillment of their demands. With the support of various farmer organizations and widespread participation in the bandh, the agitation underscored the deep-rooted concerns and grievances of the farming community in Punjab.
 
The demand for a legal guarantee of MSP has been a longstanding issue for farmers, who argue that it is essential for ensuring their economic security and livelihoods. They have also called for the repeal of the three contentious farm laws passed by the central government, which they believe will corporatize agriculture and undermine their interests.
 
Despite several rounds of talks between farmer representatives and the government, a resolution to the deadlock has remained elusive. The 'Bharat Bandh' was seen as a collective expression of farmers' frustration and determination to continue their agitation until their demands are met.